Prominent PTI Leaders Resign Amid Ongoing Crackdown Following May 9 Violence

Former Punjab education minister Murad Raas has announced his resignation from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, becoming the latest leader to leave amid the ongoing crackdown following the May 9 violence. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Raas expressed condemnation for the events of May 9 and stated that he and other politicians present at the conference would form a group to continue working for Pakistan's progress. Firdous Ashiq Awan, another PTI leader and former special assistant to the Punjab chief minister, also announced her departure from the party, blaming the violence on Imran Khan's Zaman Park residence.

In a separate press conference in Faisalabad, former National Assembly member Khurram Shehzad also announced his resignation from the PTI, citing the condemnable events of May 9 and expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army.

The PTI has faced significant pressure following the attacks on military installations by enraged PTI workers on May 9, which the army labeled as a "Black Day." Many party leaders and thousands of workers have been arrested in connection with the violent protests. The army has insisted on trying those involved in the attacks under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. Asad Umar, a close aide of Imran Khan, has already resigned from his positions within the party due to the ongoing situation. Several other party leaders and lawmakers have also publicly denounced the attacks on state installations and announced their departure from the PTI.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the federal government is considering imposing a ban on the PTI after receiving evidence of pre-planned and coordinated attacks on public properties and military installations by the party's supporters.